Words by Cynthia Mothelesi
Confession time: Zimbabwe wasn’t on my bucket list. Fuelled by a steady stream of headlines, I held a vague picture of a troubled nation. But as a solo female traveller and the founder of a travel company catering to women like me, safety is paramount. Curiosity nudged me to dig deeper, and what I discovered was a symphony waiting to be played, a melody of warmth, resilience, and vibrant life. In October 2023, I took a leap of faith, boarding a bus from Botswana, heart brimming with a nervous excitement.
Beyond the Surface Noise:
The border crossing was smooth, a friendly exchange of documents and a warm “Welcome to Zimbabwe.” This genuine greeting set the tone for the entire journey. My itinerary wasn’t meticulously planned, a conscious decision to embrace the unexpected. Bulawayo, my first stop, became a haven. The streets pulsed with a familiar energy, a throwback to my childhood in Botswana. Brands from my youth lined the shelves of supermarkets, sparking a wave of nostalgia that washed over me. This shared history, this subtle connection, filled me with a sense of belonging.
Safety? More Like Serenity.
Safety, of course, remained a top concern. As a solo traveller, navigating unfamiliar streets can be daunting. Yet, Bulawayo embraced me. Locals, ever helpful, offered directions with a smile. One evening, my quest for a post-sunset manicure led me to a salon closing just as I arrived. Hesitantly, I inquired about the walk back to my hotel. Everyone assured me it was safe, and their genuine concern resonated more than any travel advisory. And you know what? They were right. The walk was peaceful, the night air filled with the melodic hum of crickets, not sirens.
A Feast for the Senses
Zimbabwe’s self-sufficiency surprised me in the most delightful way. Every corner overflowed with fresh, local produce – a rainbow of fruits and vegetables at ridiculously affordable prices. Each bite was an explosion of flavour, a testament to the hard work and resilience of the Zimbabwean people.
Crafting My Own Melody
This wasn’t a packaged tour. I craved an experience true to me, a melody composed by my own curiosity. I wandered through bustling markets, haggling for trinkets with a wink and a smile. I spent evenings at local restaurants, savouring traditional dishes and soaking in the warm chatter. Each interaction shattered pre-conceived notions, revealing a nation pulsating with life.
Yearning for Connection? Zimbabwe Delivers!
What do I yearn for most when I travel? Connection. Authentic, heartfelt connection. And Zimbabwe delivered in spades. Conversations flowed effortlessly – with taxi drivers, shopkeepers, fellow travellers. Their stories, shared with open hearts, revealed a nation overcoming challenges, a people striving for a brighter future. Their resilience resonated deeply, and a sense of shared humanity bloomed.
A Message to My Neighbour:
Zimbabwe, my neighbour, I stand here humbled. You’ve shown me the power of human connection, the beauty of resilience. The headlines may paint a different picture, but the reality is a vibrant tapestry woven with hope, determination, and a genuine warmth that seeps into your soul. You are a gem waiting to be discovered, and I, for one, am hooked.
To the Adventurous Soul:
This is a call to all the adventurous souls out there. Don’t let pre-conceived notions hold you back. Dive deeper, explore beyond the surface noise. Zimbabwe’s story goes far beyond the safari stripes. It’s a symphony waiting to be heard, a melody composed of vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. Take that leap of faith, embark on your own Zimbabwean adventure, and discover the beauty that awaits.
This is a call to all the adventurous souls out there. Don’t let pre-conceived notions hold you back. Dive deeper, explore beyond the surface noise. Zimbabwe’s story goes far beyond the safari stripes. It’s a symphony waiting to be heard, a melody composed of vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. Take that leap of faith, embark on your own Zimbabwean adventure, and discover the beauty that awaits.
In Zimbabwe, you can:
- Hike through the majestic Matobo Hills, their granite boulders whispering ancient secrets.
- Hike up the Mt Nyanga, the highest peak in Zimbabwe, a 1-3hr hike
- Explore the vibrant city of Harare, a pulsating hub of culture and history.
- Learn the art of basket weaving from local artisans, their nimble hands creating masterpieces from sustainable materials.
- Immerse your heart and soul in the locals, interact with them and hear their stories and connect on a human level.
These are just a few threads woven into the rich tapestry of Zimbabwe. This is a country that beckons you to explore beyond the headlines, to connect with its people, and to discover the beauty that lies within.
The safari stripes may be iconic, a symbol of untamed wilderness, but Zimbabwe’s true beauty lies beyond the safari. It resides in the warmth of its people, the resilience of its spirit, and the stories waiting to be discovered. Are you ready to embark on your own Zimbabwean adventure, to rewrite the narrative and discover the unexpected beauty that awaits?
Next time you travel, allow yourself to connect more with the local communities. We all come from different backgrounds and cultures however, human connections are the ones that truly bring us closer to each other. Next time you travel, consider the following:
- Learning a local craft
- Visiting a local market
- Learning how to prepare a local dish
- Hiking with a local guide
- Storytelling by locals
Live a very curious life, one that allows you to explore the unfamiliar paths. Sometimes our assumptions about a place or people could be biased and this could stop you from trying something new or taking a risk. By being more open to new adventures and experiences, it boosts innovation, creativity and truly makes life more fun and exciting.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and embark on your own Zimbabwean odyssey. You might just discover your new favourite travel gem.
Written by Cynthia Mothelesi
www.happysouladventures.agency
